Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for automating the generation of additional different models of a mechanical object from a first model by logically partitioning the different models based on parameters that are specific to the particular model being generated. All of the models are independent representations of the same mechanical object, and may represent the design of the mechanical object in different phases of the manufacturing process, for example, the conceptual design, the as-cast design, and the as-machined design. In one embodiment, upon receiving a selection of a feature for the first conceptual model from a user, the apparatus and method can automatically calculate the corresponding contributions for each of the different models. The corresponding contributions can be automatically calculated based on modeling parameters that are specific to the type of model that is to be automatically generated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for designing objects using functional object representation are described. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving behavioral parameters associated with each design feature of an object from a user and determining a correspondence between each design feature and one or more body partitions from a predefined set of body partitions that compose the body of the object. The determination is made based on the behavioral parameters received from the user. The method further includes assigning a contributing volume to each of the corresponding body partitions and computing the digital model of the object using contributing volumes of all design features of the object.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for automating the generation of additional different models of a mechanical object from a first model by logically partitioning the different models based on parameters that are specific to the particular model being generated. All of the models are independent representations of the same mechanical object, and may represent the design of the mechanical object in different phases of the manufacturing process, for example, the conceptual design, the as-cast design, and the as-machined design. In one embodiment, upon receiving a selection of a feature for the first conceptual model from a user, the apparatus and method can automatically calculate the corresponding contributions for each of the different models. The corresponding contributions can be automatically calculated based on modeling parameters that are specific to the type of model that is to be automatically generated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for merging design intent of multiple designers with respect to a digital model of an object are described. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving data concerning a change to the digital model performed by a fist designer. The method further includes analyzing the data concerning the change performed by the first designer and data concerning a digital model version created by a second designer, and integrating the change performed by the first designer into the digital model version created by the second designer.

Abstract: A computer-aided-design (CAD) system design-support program and design methods are provided where a generation command to generate a target shape is extracted from existing CAD data. The generation command is displayed so as to make it possible to arbitrarily select a parameter included in the generation command. An operator is allowed to add a shape command to the selected parameter. Together with the parameter that includes the added shape command, the generation command is stored as a macro program. The macro program is activated and executed by inputting parameters provided with the shape commands, so as to change a target shape into a desired shape. With these arrangements, a CAD system as well as a design-support program and a design method allows more efficient operation of a user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for designing objects using functional modeling are described. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a set of behavioral parameters associated with a design feature selected by a user, receiving one or more of these behavioral parameters from the user, and modeling the design feature based on the behavioral parameters received from the user. The modeling of the design feature does not require any user intervention.

Abstract: A computer-aided-design system used with a computer forms a shape model for applications of a product to be manufactured. A plurality of shape forming function information having forming commands for various shapes of the product for expressing in the shape model for the applications is included to form the shape model for the applications based on a selection of the shape forming function information. The shape model for the applications can be defined by its shape derived from a basic shape. Further, the shape forming function information of the shape model for the applications can be defined as a set of the forming commands that correspond to the basic shape and the forming command corresponding to a shape derived from the basic shape. Thus by effectively controlling the shape of each desired model, a simple model forming process can be performed.

Abstract: An action management support system that manages and supports through computers actions taken by persons in charge of various duties accompanied by production. The system uses a process information that defines a flow of a plurality tasks in a duty executed by the at least one person, and a product information that includes contents of a product manufactured at each of the plurality of tasks. The system also includes a controller that controls the system to relate the each of the plurality of tasks with the product information immediately before each task, the relationship involving an input and output information of each task, and a product manufactured at each task. Furthermore, the system includes a memory that stores and retains the each of the plurality of tasks and the product information that are related to each other so that the relationship of the each of the plurality of tasks and the product information can be used as a reference.

Abstract: A computer-aided-design (CAD) system design-support program and design methods are provided where a generation command to generate a target shape is extracted from existing CAD data. The generation command is displayed so as to make it possible to arbitrarily select a parameter included in the generation command. An operator is allowed to add a shape command to the selected parameter. Together with the parameter that includes the added shape command, the generation command is stored as a macro program. The macro program is activated and executed by inputting parameters provided with the shape commands, so as to change a target shape into a desired shape. With these arrangements, a CAD system as well as a design-support program and a design method allows more efficient operation of a user.